21 Things to do in Gauteng

Author Samuel Johnson once said “If you’re tired of London, you’re tired of life.” He’d obviously never sampled the delights of Gauteng, or he would have revised his statement.

The province is the South Africa’s powerhouse. Below the surface there’s a king’s ransom of mineral wealth and above the wheels of commerce and industry grind away at driving the economy. It is also home to the stock exchange, the largest on the continent, and the country’s administrative seat of power.

And when the locals aren’t working hard, they are playing hard. From the rhythm of the township shebeens to the electronic beat of sophisticated suburban night clubs; street chic to designer label; haute cuisine to potjiekos and morogo; game viewing or gaming at the blackjack tables or if your taste in sport runs to hanging off cliffs or the gentler art of bird watching – the cosmopolitan melting pot of Gauteng offers it all. And, of course if you do tire of it all that there’s always retail therapy...
Interestingly, the province’s tourist profile shows that 60 per cent of foreign tourists visit Johannesburg, in particular, to shop; many of them are from the rest of the continent. As the financial capital of the country Gauteng also attracts business travellers, while struggle routes are also a significant draw card.

One of the major infrastructural developments currently underway is the construction of the much awaited Gautrain. This multi-million rand fast rail system, not unlike the Docklands Light Rail in London, will form a circuitous link between OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg and surrounds and Tshwane. It’s heralded as an economic booster and a source of job creation, the latter being one of the fundamental pillars of the government’s economic policy.

The cherry on the top, of course, not only for Gauteng but the entire country, is next year’s World Cup football. 2010 is the catch phrase on everyone’s lips – stadia are going up, and people are rubbing their hands with glee at the huge economic spin-offs, which will hopefully trickle down to benefit those who need it most.

21 Things to do in Gauteng is an activities-based guide, to all you can see and do, on your visit here. It is divided into 21 sections, each covering one facet of the smorgasbord of goodies Gauteng has to offer you. The Gauteng Tourism Authority and publishers, The World’s Favourite Publications, hope that your journey through the rich tapestry of this small but vital corner of the Rainbow Nation is thoroughly enjoyable.

As the strategic leader in tourism, Gauteng Tourism Authority uses publications such as 21 Things to do in Gauteng, to engage the public and stakeholders on activities to be experienced and enjoyed in the Gauteng province.